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Dow Chemical, Cobblestone unveil net zero energy home

The Dow Chemical Company, a science and technology company, and Cobblestone Homes have introduced a new home, which they claim, is the first net-zero energy home in Michigan. Using energy efficiency technologies from Dow Chemical, the house called the 'Vision Zero' home is expected to save $3,507 in energy costs and avert 44,855lbs of CO2 annually.

Dow Chemical said that the net-zero energy home project is the result of its collaboration with the State of Michigan to meet the shared goal of increasing the nation's energy security, creating jobs and addressing the goal of combating climate change.

Dow Chemical claims that Net-zero energy homes typically use about 60-70 per cent less energy than a conventional home, with the balance of its energy needs supplied by renewable technologies. The Vision Zero home uses a wide range of Dow materials and technologies, including insulation and air-sealing products, and the new Dow Powerhouse solar shingles.

The solar components on this home, which includes a demonstration of Dow's solar shingle are expected to produce enough energy to supply all of this home's electricity needs plus additional electricity that can be sold back to the local utility company for energy credits, according to Dow Chemical.

In addition, Cobblestone has also incorporated a wide range of products from a number of other suppliers that will conserve energy or harness renewable resources to keep the Vision Zero home comfortable, while meeting the zero-energy threshold.

The house uses geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool the home, solar water heating systems to provide hot water, and LED light bulbs and energy efficient appliances that can be found throughout the house.

The Vision Zero house, located in Bay City, Michigan, will also be an educational center for builders and consumers for one year, providing tours, training, and hands on demonstrations.

Doug May, vice president of energy, climate change and alternative feedstocks at Dow, said: "As a world leader in applied chemistry, Dow is uniquely positioned to provide real-life solutions to address some of the world's most pressing energy challenges.

"The Vision Zero home utilizes a variety of energy solutions from Dow and is proof that homeowners can affordably enjoy all the comforts of the modern home, with a reduced environmental impact and still achieve a net-zero utility bill."